Imagine walking along the weathered boards of a pier, nearly a thousand feet over the Atlantic, gazing at fishing lines dipping into the ocean, while the scent of salt and fried seafood fills the air. 

Bikinied girls playing volleyball, surfers riding waves with dolphins nearby as the sound of waves crashing mingle with the clinking of glasses and at the very end you arrive under the thatched roof of Riki Tiki Tavern. 

Perched on the Cocoa Beach pier, this place is all about easy going fun with stunning panoramic views, that exude laid-back coastal charm.  TVs are turned to surf competitions, a homage to the infamous local waveriders.  

The bar pores colorful cocktails: Mai-Tais,  Dark and Stormys, Bahama Mamas, Cuba Libres and their signature tropical drink “Pieradise”, like a beach party in a glass.  

Once you get a cocktail in hand the sky puts on a dazzling display of colors painting the horizon with shades of fiery orange, delicate pink and deep purple.

The menu leans heavy into the beach style favorites, think crunchy coconut shrimp, gator bites, lobster rolls, crab and shrimp dip,  zesty fish tacos, grouper sandwiches, burgers, beer battered fries, chowder and a quirky “Pier-dog”, a hot dog egg roll.  

This is a sensational spot to wind down with friends after a day in the sun, and once you get a cocktail in hand the sky puts on a dazzling display of colors painting the horizon with shades of fiery orange, delicate pink and deep purple.

The food is great and the service is wonderful.   While no shirts are needed, you do need to at least wear flip-flops.  

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. 

Just minutes off Route 1,  just south of Cape Canaveral, one of the best beach bars in Florida.